Adjustable table.



' Patented Ian. 8, |90L E. M. MARSHALL.

AoJu'sTAB'LE TABLE.

(Application filed Feb. 26, 1900.)

(No Modem 2 Sheets-Shunt l.

K m- W No. 665,45l. Patented Ian. 8, I911". E. M, MARSHALL. ADJUSTABLE TABLE.

(Application filed Feb. 26. 1900.) (No Model.) r 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

.Wfneaaes jnven (or S-W M UNiTsn STATES PATENT Genres.

EDWIN MORTON MARSHALL, OF STRATHROY, CANADA.

ADJUSTABLE TABLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 665,451, dated January 8, 196i; Application filed February 26, 1900- Serial No. 6,578. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EDWIN MORTON MAR- SHALL, merchant, of the town of Strathroy, in the county of Middlesex, Province of Ontario, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Adjustable Tables, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of adjustable tables in which shelves are so connected to supporting-bars that they may be set to form either a series of shelves or a flat horizontal table; and my object is to devise a table capable of being used in a greater variety of positions than those now on the market and possessing besides novel and improved details of construction in the parts used in effecting the adjustments.

With this object in view my invention consists, essentially, of a stand and a pair of bars journaled one at each side of the stand and on which the shelves are journaled, of connecting-bars with projecting lugs, on which the shelves are also journaled, so that the shelves may be turned with either side presented to the said bars, of meansfor clam ping the first-mentioned bars to the stand at varying angles, of means for adjusting the angle of one of the shelves to the bars on which they are pivoted without altering the angle of the latter to the stand, and of such details of construction as are hereinafter more specifically described and then definitely claimed.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the tablewith the shelves horizontal and the bars at about an angle of forty-five degrees. Fig. 2 is a similar view with the bars at the same angle,

but the shelves turned nearly vertical, eX-- posing their under sides. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-section showing the shelves arranged to form a flat table. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the table. Fig. 5 is a plan view, partly broken away, showing the connections between the table and the stand. Fig. 6 is a perspective detail of part of the connections.

In the drawings like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

The frame or stand of the table comprises the end pieces A and the cross-bar B. This cross-bar is grooved or bored to receive the tie-rod O, which is provided with a head at one end and a nut at the other. By loosening the not on this tie-rod it may be removed and the frame knocked down for transportation. The upper end of each end piece has a slot out therein to receive the clamp-rod D. One end of this clamp-rod has a nut a screwed thereon, which is adapted to enter within a square recess 17, out in the end piece. The other end of this clamp-rod is preferably provided with a cam-lever E, adapted to bear against the surface of the end piece. If the latter is made of wood, a plate 6, slotted for the reception of the clamp-rod, is preferably provided. A similar plate at the other side of the table forms one side of the square recess 6. If the end pieces be formed of metal, separate plates would not, of course, be necessary.

At the same end of the table as the camlever E there is also a recess b, similar to that at the other end of the table, which receives the nut f, loose on the clamp-rod D. This loose nut is not absolutely essential, but serves to hold the clamp-rod down in place when the latches F are closed. These latches are pivoted, as shown, and are notched to engage headed pins When these latches are closed, the nuts nf are securely held in place and prevented from revolving.

Upon the clamp-rod D are pivoted a pair of bars G, one at each side of the frame. Pivoted on these bars at h are a series of shelves H, the center shelf being pivoted on the clamp-rod D. The ends of the shelves are preferably, though not essentially, provided with iron straps I for the sake of strength and durability.

J rep resents connecting-bars, each provided with a series of lugs 1,, one for each shelf.

These lugs are pivotally connected to the shelves inside the straps I, the end of each shelf being notched for that purpose,as shown. It is not essential that the straps I extend over the notches in the shelves, though I prefer to make them that way for the sake of strength and neatness of appearance. These connecting-bars J serve to maintain the shelves with their surfaces parallel to one another. It is evident that one connecting-bar would answer the purpose, though for strength two are preferred. The lugs 1' permit me to swing the shelves so that either surface is exposed to view, and without altering the angle of the bars to the stand either side of each shelf may be turned uppermost and the other side of the shelf laid fiat against the bars J. It is not only necessary to provide the bars J with the lugs 1., but it is also necessary that the lugs 2' be not in the same plane as either of the bars Gr, so that when the shelves are arranged with their surfaces in the same plane the pivot-points of the shelves to the bars may also be in the same plane.

Secured to the inner sides of the end pieces A are the flanged semicircles K, against which the bars G may be clamped by operating the cam-lever E. For some purposes the ordinary frictional contact between the semicircles and the bars will be sufficient; but I prefer to notch or otherwise serrate one or both the semicircles, so that a positive engagement may be effected between them and the said bars.

L is a notched wheel provided with a sleeve surrounding the clamp-rod D and extending through one of the bars G, which sleeve is securely fastened to the center shelf. This notched wheel may be placed at either side of the table and is adapted to be engaged by a projection j, formed on one of the latches F. At the opposite side of the table from the notched wheel I place a small coil or other suitable spring 7.; on the clamp-rod between the end piece A and the bar G. When the cam-lever E is released, this spring serves to force the end pieces of the stand apart, so that the bars G may be readily disengaged from the notches of the semicircles with which they may be engaged. When the projectionj is disengaged from the notched wheel L, the

- center shelf may be turned to any angle and the other shelves with it without affecting the angle of the bars to the stand, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. After the right angle has been obtained the projection may be again engaged with the notched wheel and the shelves secu rely held as adjusted. A retainer W also may be secured to the end piece and which will engage the notched wheel when the cam lever E is clamped.

Zis a hook pivoted on the end of the stand, which may be caused to engage the latch F, to which the projection j is connected for the purpose of holding it in engagement with the notched wheel L.

If it be found that the closing of the camlever E does not clamp the parts tightly enough, the clamp-rod may be rotated and screwed a little farther-through the nut atill it has been shortened sufficiently to make everything tight when the cam-leveris closed.

One or more of the shelves may be provided with fixed ledges M. These ledges enable the table to be used in the position shown in Fig. 2, goods such as books, cards, and other articles being placed upon the ledges leaning against the shelves behind them. Owing to the construction of my table these ledges are never in the way and do not interfere with the placing of the table in any desired position.

From the above description it will be seen that I have devised an adjustable table which may be placed in a great variety of positions, and not only may the shelves be placed in any position, but their surfaces may be inclined at any angle and either side of the shelves turned up for display. It will also be noted that the connections and adjustments are very simple and convenient, and when desired the shelves and their connecting-bars may be removed from the frame and the stand knocked down for shipment. It is also found very convenient for some purposes to be able to detach the shelves and connecting-bars from the stand, so that they may be used independently for window-dressing.

What I claim as my invention is 1. In an adjustable table a series of shelves; a pair of supporting-bars to which the ends of the shelves are pivoted; and a connectingbar pivotally connected to each shelf in combination with a stand; a clamp-rod on which the supporting-bars are journaled so that the clamp-rod forms also the pivotal connection between one of the shelves and the supporting-bars; means for securing one end of the clan1p-rod to one side of the stand; and means engaging the other end of the rod and the other side of the stand to clamp together the stand, supporting-bars, and the said shelf, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. In an adjustable table; a stand; a rod supportedthereby; a supporting-bar pivoted on said rod; a series of shelves pivotally connected to said supporting-bar; means for changing the angle of said shelves with respect to said supporting-bar without changing the angle ofsaid supporting-bar to the stand; and means for holding said parts in their adjusted positions comprising a sleeve rigidly connected with one of said shelves and carrying a notched wheel, and a latch carried by said stand and adapted to engage the notches of said wheel; substantially as described.

3. In an adjustable table, a stand, a series of shelves, a pair of supporting-bars to which the ends of the shelves are pivoted, acounecting-bar pivotally connected to each shelf, a clamp-rod on which the supporting-bars are journaled, a sleeve on said clamp-rod and rigidly connected to one of said shelves, a notched wheel carried by said sleeve, and a pivoted latch carried by said stand and adapted to engage notches of said wheel, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

4.111 an adjustable table a series of shelves; a pair of supporting-bars to which the ends of the shelves are pivoted; and a connectingbar pivotally connected to each shelf in combination with a stand; a clamp-rod on which the supporting-bars are journaled so that the clamp-rod forms also the pivotal connection between one of the shelves and the supporting-bars; means for securing one end of the clamp-rod to one side of the stand; means engaging the other end of the rod and the other side of the stand to clamp together the stand, supporting-bars, and the said shelf; a sleeve rigidly connected to one end of the said shelf and extending through one of the supporting-bars; a wheel rigidly connected to the said sleeve and having notches therein; and a latch carried by the stand and adapted to engage the said notched wheel, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

5. In an adjustable table a series of shelves; a pairof supporting-bars to which the ends of the shelves are pivoted; a connecting-bar piv- -otally connected to each shelf; and a stand on which the supporting-bars are carried in combination with means for holding the supporting-bars at different angles to the stand; a sleeve rigidly connected to one end of a shelf and extending through one of the sup porting-bars; a Wheel rigidly connected to the said sleeve and having notches therein; and a latch carried by the stand and adapted to engage the said notched wheel, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. In an adjustable table, the combination of a stand provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clamprod D lying in said notches or slots; a square nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rod and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamp-rod passes from end to end; a supporting-rod journaled on the clamp-rod at each end of the shelf; and means engaging the other end of the clamp-rod and the end piece of the frame to draw on the clamp-rod and clamp the parts together, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. In an adjustable table, the combination of a stand provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clamprod D lying in said notches or slots; a square nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rod and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamp-rod passes from end to end; a supporting-rod j on rnaled on the clamp-rod at each end of the shelf; the notched semicir cles K arranged between the supporting-bars and the stand at one or both sides; and means engaging the other end of the clamp-rod and the end piece of the frame to draw on the clamp-rod and clamp the parts together, sub-- stantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. In an adjustable table; the combination of a stand provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clamprod D lying in said notches'or slots; asquare nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rodv and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamp-rod passes from end to end; a supporting-barjournaled on the clam prod at each end of the shelf; means engaging the other end of the clamp-rod and the end piece of the frame to draw on the clamp-rod and clamp the parts together; a square nut f loose on the clamp-rod near the last-mentioned end thereof and fitting into a corresponding recess in the end piece of the stand; and movable latches adapted to engage the nuts a and f to retain them in position, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

9. In an adjustable table; the combination of a stand provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clam prod D lying in said notches or slots; a square nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rod and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamprod passes from end to end; a supporting-rodjournaled on the clamprod at each end of the shelf; the notched semicircles K arranged between the supporting-bars and the stand at one or both sides; means engaging the other end of the clamprod and the end piece of the frame to draw on the clam p-rod and clamp the parts together; a square nut f loose on the clamp-rod near the last-mentioned end thereof and fitting into a corresponding recess in the end piece of the stand; and movable latches adapted to engage the nuts or andf to retain them in position, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. In an adjustable table; the combination of a stand; provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clam prod D lying in said notches or slots; a square nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rod and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamp-rod passes from end to end a supporting-rod journaledon the clamprod at each end of the shelf; the notched semicircles K arranged between the supporting-bars and the stand at one or both sides, means engaging the other end of the clamprod and the end piece of the frame to draw on the clamp-rod and clamp the parts together; and a coil-spring k arranged between one of the supporting-bars G and an end piece A, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

11. In an adjustable table; the combination of a stand provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clamprod D lying in said notches or slots; a square nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rod and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamp-rod passes from end to end; a su pporting-rod journaled on the clamprod at each end of the shelf; the notched semicircles K arranged between the supporting-bars and the stand at one or both sides; and means engaging the other end of the clamp-rod and the end piece of the frame to draw on the clamp-rod and clamp the parts together; a square nut f loose on the clamprod near the last-mentioned end thereof and fitting into a corresponding recess in the end piece of the stand; movable latches adapted to engage the nuts or andf to retain them in position; the notched wheel L fast on a sleeve extending through one of the supporting-bars G and secured to the said shelf; and a projection on one of the latches adapted to engage the notches of the said wheel, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

12. In an adjustable table; the combination of a stand provided with end pieces having notches or slots and a recess therein; a clam prod D lying in said notches or slots; asquare nut threaded on one end of said clamp-rod and lying in said recess; a shelf through which the said clamp-rod passes from end to end; a supporting-rod journaled on the clamp-rod at each end of the shelf; and the cam-lever E pivoted in the end of the clamp-rod D and adapted to engage an end piece of the frame, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

13. In an adjustable table a series of shelves; a pair of supporting-bars to which the ends of the shelves'are pivoted; and a connecting-bar pivotally connected to each shelf in combination with a stand; pivotal connections between the supporting-bars and the stand, said pivotal connections being constructed to allow said bars to he swung through a complete circle; and means for clamping one or both supporting-bars to the stand, said connecting means being constructed to permit the free rotation of the parts when unclamped, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

14. In an adjustable table a series of shelves; a pair of supporting-bars to which the ends of the shelves are pivoted; and a connecting-bar pivotally connected to each shelf in combination with a stand; pivotal connections between the supporting-bars and the stand, said pivotal connections being constructed to allow said bars to be swung through a complete circle; means for clamping one or both supporting-bars to the stand, said connecting means being constructed to permit the free rotation of the parts when unclamped; and means for adjusting one of the shelves at dilferent angles to the supportingbars without altering the angle of the latter to the stand, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

15. In an adjustable table, a series of- 

